Require MPs who change party to seek a new mandate via a by-election
At present, MPs can change their party after being elected without asking voters if they still wish them to represent them. This can weaken democratic accountability. Requiring MPs who switch party to trigger a by-election would allow constituents to decide if they still support their representation
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 10 FEB 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign the following petition, which calls for similar action: By-elections to be called automatically when MPs defect to another party https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/737660
- 16 JAN 2026Petition created
Background
At present, MPs may change their party affiliation after being elected without consulting voters. Many constituents vote for a party and its manifesto, not just an individual candidate.
Requiring a by-election when an MP changes party would uphold democratic accountability and allow voters to decide whether the MP should continue to represent them.
This petition calls on Parliament to amend the Recall of MPs Act or introduce new legislation so that a party change triggers a by-election.